The author explains the difference (pledging v. hazing) in the last paragraph:
Quote:
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Hazing has been formally prohibited at Cornell since 1980 and a crime under New York State law since 1983," he wrote. "But it continues under the guise of pledging, often perpetuated through traditions handed down over generations. Although pledging is explained away as a period of time during which pre-initiates devote themselves to learning the information necessary to become full members, in reality, it is often the vehicle for demeaning activities that cause psychological harm and physical danger.
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What I don't understand is why the president didn't just say that groups would be restricted to using the official recruitment/new member education process sanctioned by the inter/national org. No more local traditions permitted.